Watch This Face | Heidi Mount

At New York fashion week, there will be an easier-to-pronounce name on the runways. A rarity among the countless Brazilians and Russians who are using the runway for takeoff is Heidi Mount, from Centerville, Utah, a new favorite of Karl Lagerfeld, for whom she opened the Chanel spring 2009 ready-to-wear show and has appeared in consecutive Chanel ads (sorry, Ms. Schiffer). A new Dolce & Gabbana campaign, photographed by Steven Klein, confirms that the 22-year-old — who has also modeled in T — is clearly on the rise. Anticipating a fashion week as busy as the last, when she worked 60 shows between New York, Paris and Milan, I seized the moment before the rush of fashion week to catch up with Heidi in Tompkins Square Park.

Q.

What do you like most about New York fashion week, and how is walking the runway different in New York, Paris and Milan?

A.

I like that it starts here, and how everyone is really excited. It’s when I get to see a lot of girls I’m only with for these few weeks. As for the walk, in New York the walk is faster and more determined; Paris is a little softer and subtle; while Milan is sexy … more hips.
Any travel items you can’t travel without?

My Chanel jewelry a friend gave me. I always travel with them.

Who was your favorite model before you became one?

Christie Brinkley.

An attractive quality?

Real confidence. When you can feel good without it being at someone else’s expense.

Last thing you said on Twitter?
That Obama is an amazing speaker and that I don’t understand how anyone could be
against the health care.

Favorite item in your closet?

My Alexander Wang T-shirts and Chanel jewelry.

Favorite TV show?

Right now, “True Blood” and “Desperate Housewives.”

First time you were recognized in public?

It was by two girls sitting next to me on the subway.

Why do you think there aren’t as many successful American models?

A lot of times the American girls don’t really fit the standards for the business. They’re either not tall enough or not as thin as girls from abroad. It’s hard to say for sure, but it might have something to do with diet and nutrition at an early age.

Aside from good looks, what do you think makes a supermodel?

A thick skin, the drive to keep going and a good personality. The people you work with have to like spending time with you.